Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
Published on: October 10, 2025
Maternal periodontitis as a risk factor for prematurity
Maria Dilma B V Piscoya1, Ricardo A A Ximenes, Genivaldo M Silva
1Children and Adolescents' Health, Hospital das Clínicas, Recife, Brazil. dilmavp@uol.com.br
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate maternal periodontitis associated with prematurity.
Methods:
We carried out a case-control study including 718 puerperae who experienced a spontaneous delivery: 360 cases (premature) and 358 controls (full-term). Sociodemographic, obstetric, prenatal, perinatal and periodontal data were obtained within 48 h after delivery. Periodontitis was defined as probing depth ≥ 4 mm and attachment loss ≥ 3 mm at same site, for ≥ 4 teeth.
Results:
Periodontitis was associated with prematurity (odds ratio 6.95; confidence interval 3.69-13.09). Prematurity was associated with maternal age < 20 years, family income < one minimum salary, maternal schooling < 8 years, premature birth history, premature membrane rupture, ruptured membranes > 24 h, smoking, urinary tract infection, leukorrhea, pre-eclampsia, prenatal consultations < 3 and precarious housing. After multivariate confounder adjustments, periodontitis remained independently associated with prematurity (odds ratio 6.05; confidence interval 3.01-12.16).
Conclusions:
Periodontitis is strongly associated with prematurity, indicating necessity for regular periodontal investigation and treatment during pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Development of Human Microbiota
The Oral Microbiota
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...